BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor reports"Shirley McKie was in parliament to hear Justice Minister Jim Wallace confirm her vindication" real 28kShirley McKie speaking on Holyrood Live"I feel as if it was a day that would never happen" real 28kThe BBC's Shelley Jofre reports"BBC Scotland's investigation into the SCRO revealed Shirley McKie's case is not an isolated one" real 28k

Thursday, 22 June, 2000, 16:53 GMT 17:53 UK

Fingerprints to be 'double-checked'

The case has attracted a lot media attention

Criminal convictions secured in Scotland using fingerprint evidence could be in jeopardy after a damning report.

In future, convictions relying on such evidence will be subjected to independent scrutiny as part of a sweeping shake-up recommended for the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO).

An inquiry into Scotland's fingerprint service was launched after an investigation by BBC Scotland discredited fingerprint evidence which led to a policewoman being charged with perjury.

A report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary subsequently vindicated former Strathclyde Police detective Shirley McKie, who had sought the help of an Armerican fingerprint expert via the internet.

Shirley McKie denied leaving a print at the scene

An independent report confirmed a fingerprint left at a crime scene did not belong to Ms McKie and has called for the SCRO to be overhauled.

The BBC's Frontline Scotland Finger of Suspicion programme contained expert opinion that SCRO staff working for Strathclyde Police wrongly identified a fingerprint at a murder scene in 1997.

It included a submission from US fingerprint expert Pat Wertheim, whom Ms McKie came across when while using the internet to prepare her case.

Ms McKie was accused of leaving a print and four SCRO experts said the print belonged to her.

The former officer was found not guilty of perjury at the High Court in Glasgow last summer, although the head of the SCRO maintained the fingerprint identification was sound.

'Not effective or efficient'

Independent inspectors confirmed the SCRO identification was wrong and have recommended new training, back-up and management structures should be put in place.

Ms McKie was in the gallery at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday to hear Justice Minister Jim Wallace give MSPs details of the report.

Mr Wallace said: "It concludes that, at present, the SCRO is not fully effective and efficient.

Jim Wallace: Efficiency concerns

"Members will appreciate the seriousness of these findings.

"Fingerprint evidence is a vital tool in detecting and prosecuting crime and Scottish forces must be able to rely on fingerprint services which meet the highest standards.

"I certainly recognise this case has caused great distress to Ms McKie and I very much regret that."